412-416
Chapter 412: Entering The City
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Dongshan was one of the Seven Roads of Qing Kingdom. It slanted toward the northeast. Going north from Xiao Mountain, it plunged into the small countries secretly influenced by Dongyi. It crossed through those cities and entered Northern Qi's territory. Last year, when Fan Xian went on a diplomatic mission to Northern Qi, he had taken a different route that went around Cangzhou and had entered the Northern Sea, so he had not been here before.
Now, he would not go toward the North. There was nothing that he wanted in Northern Qi.
Sitting in the carriage and looking at the map in his hand, Fan Xian couldn't resist furrowing his forehead. He pointed to a corner of the map, and said, "So Jiaozhou is below Danzhou. This large blank space up here. What is this place?"
Beside him was Deputy Commander Jing of the Black Knights. He was still wearing the iron mask on his face. He listened to the commissioner's words and said in a deep voice, "To the north of Danzhou is a large swathe of harsh mountains and jungles that very few people dare to enter. When the map was drawn, there was only a blank. To the north of this blank is Dongyi, which faces the ocean."
Dongyi? Fan Xian sighed and thought one day he would go to see it. He only learned today that Dongyi, the world's largest city, was actually not far at all from Danzhou, where he had spent his childhood. Fan Xian was familiar with the mountains and jungles to the north of Danzhou. He knew that it was pretty much impossible to find a path through it. Furthermore, this piece of geography was very special. Along the sea was an unbroken precipice of hundreds of li that even birds would think was dangerous.
If Dongyi people wanted to reach Qing Kingdom, they had to go around the west side of the mountains or via the sea.
Remembering that Dongyi's sea power was very great, Fan Xian couldn't stop a glimmer of worry flash through his eyes. Although the navies of this world were unable to influence the bigger picture, they still had the power to carry out some harassment. What if Dongyi forced a landing in Danzhou?
Only now did Fan Xian finally understand why the Emperor placed such a priority on this matter and asked for him to personally act. He also understood why the court persisted in maintaining a navy beside the isolated Jiaozhou after the best navy in Quanzhou was disbanded.
Jiaozhou was to the south of Danzhou, where there was a navy of valiant sailors stationed to counter Dongyi's power on the seas.
Fan Xian couldn't help an icy smile rising to the corner of his lips. Of course, he now knew that the Quanzhou sailors in the past, at some levels, could be said to be his mother's private army. When the court acted, it was indeed thorough.
"Lao Jing…why don't you take off the mask?" He gazed with a smile at the Deputy Commander of the Black Knights beside him and tried his best to make his tone softer, to not reveal the chill in the depths of his heart.
Following Chen Pingping's strict orders, ever since Fan Xian went on the diplomatic mission to Northern Qi, these 400 Black Knights had become his subordinates. The 400 black-clothed, blacked-horsed, and black-faced riders had helped Fan Xian greatly in the matter of Shang Shanhu rescuing Xiao En and surrounding the Junshang Conference in Jiangnan.
For various reasons, Fan Xian had not yet found a way to extend his hand into the military, however, the existence of the Black Knights was the same as giving him the greatest military power. It made him much more powerful and also gave him more confidence when negotiating with others.
In a situation where he didn't have military influence, having the Black Knights under him was reassuring.
However, Fan Xian was not very close to these subordinates because the Black Knights could not enter the province or even come near a province. While Fan Xian was someone who liked to have fun, he was not willing to live in army camps. Thus, there was not much time for superiors and subordinates to talk. It was impossible to remove this sense of unfamiliarity in a short time.
Fan Xian knew that if he wanted to do anything in the future, he had to control this, the biggest military power under his command. He could not depend on Chen Pingping's control. He could only rely on himself to have these 400 riders follow him unswervingly. He had to subdue the other party from the depths of his heart.
After meeting with the Black Knights at the crossroads, he had tried the methods he had used to subdue Wang Qinian and Deng Zi Yue on the strange deputy commander Black Knight, who was always wearing his silver-colored mask.
Fan Xian smiled warmly and sincerely. Chatting casually, he created a warm and honest atmosphere. Of course, he did not forget to show the steadiness and confidence that a superior ought to have.
However, Jing continued to be indifferent. Without any show of emotion, he replied straightforwardly, "Used to it."
Fan Xian felt a bit angry, but he suddenly smiled slightly and said, "There are only two types of people who wear masks."
Riding on horses, Jing following beside him did not have any reaction, however, Fan Xian found that the hand holding the reigns had tightened slightly. It looked like Jing was relatively interested in this topic.
He was probably curious as to how the famous Sir Fan junior would critique the mask.
Fan Xian said, "Either the face under the mask is too ugly or had to have suffered a heavy injury and cannot be seen by others, or…the face is too pretty, pretty like a girl…"
"Of course, I am not mocking myself with these words."
"The Black Knights have to go into battle and kill the enemy. The fiercer you look, the easier it is to scare the enemy. Thus, the first reason does not exist anymore."
Fan Xian smiled as he gazed at the slightly shining metal mask and said, "Seems like Commander Jing must be a rarely seen beauty of a man."
Commander Jing was indeed startled and a moment later he said, "The commissioner is indeed…incredible."
Fan Xian chuckled. After hearing the story of Prince of Lan Ling and Di Qing too many times, he could definitely make some guesses.
However, Jing still did not remove his mask. It made Fan Xian curious. Had he guessed correctly or not?
"I still don't know your name," Fan Xian said lightly. He couldn't be bothered to do this kind of political work anymore.
Commander Jing's gaze became solemn. Raising the reins in his hands, he replied, "My surname is Jing, no name."
"Jing No Name?" How could Fan Xian not know the surname of the commander of the most powerful military power in his power? He was just pretending to be shocked. He remembered the strange thought he had when he first learned this person's name last year.
"If you are Jing Wuming[JW1] , wouldn't that make me the father of the high-ranking beautiful woman[JW2] ?
…
…
The hundreds of riders rode in one thin line, silently moving forward in the quiet valley toward the North. After a set period of time, scouts were sent out in all directions so they shouldn't have revealed their movements.
Fan Xian and Commander Jing were riding right in the middle. They were slowly winding their way through the valley. Fan Xian was, because of his recent thoughts, smiling again. Commander Jing glanced at him with some curiosity. "My surname is Jing. I don't have a name, not that I am called No Name."
The nameless major figure in the Fifth Bureau? The nameless commander of the Black Knights?
Fan Xian opened his lips slightly and couldn't help sighing. No wonder everyone was terrified of the Overwatch Council like they were the devil. Under the influence of Chen Pingping, that old cripple, the entire structure of the Overwatch Council and the style and past of its members all carried a strange aura.
He knew that this commander would not lie to him. He lightly said, "It's still better to have a name."
Commander Jing was silent for a moment then nodded his head, "Please give me a name."
To give a name, for the one giving the name, was a very high honor. Fan Xian was shocked and didn't believe his ears. Turning back to look at the commander's calm and sincere gaze, he knew that the other party was not joking.
He slowly lowered his head and thought seriously for a while before smiling slightly and said, "A single character name 'Ge', and 'Zhi Wu' as a courtesy name. How is that?"
Commander Jing had been a hero in the army. It was only because he had offended nobility that Chen Pingping had scooped him out and placed him in the Black Knights, so he was a man of some learning. Hearing this name, he immediately understood commissioner Fan's meaning. He was pleased and nodded his head with a smile.
The corners of hips lips beneath the metal mask curved into a pretty line.
The influential figure with no name or surname who had provoked his superior, been punished with the supreme penalty and later disappeared, and used a silver mask to hide his appearance, finally had his own name. Now so many years after breaking of from the first half of his life, he began a new chapter.
"Jing Ge." Among the clip-clop of the horses' hooves, Fan Xian smiled slightly. "Who exactly did not offend back then?"
…
…
Whether it was because Jing Ge was not yet used to his new name or because he was shocked by the commissioner's perceptiveness, he couldn't speak for a moment.
After being silent for a while, he quietly said, "The Qin family."
Fan Xian sucked in a cold breath. He knew just how powerful the Qin family was in the military. Old man Qin had long held the position of the head of the Bureau of Military affairs by force and now Xiao Qin had become part of the Jingdou garrison. Even when his father-in-law was in court, he slightly feared the Qin family.
In a single thought, Fan Xian could not help but develop the greatest admiration and shock for Chen Pingping. That old cripple was indeed courageous. He dared to use an enemy of the Qin family and use him for a long time. Not only that, he had allowed Jing Ge to rise to the position of deputy commander of the Black Knights.
"I…have a decent relationship with the Qin family," he said this probingly. He thought, as long as Jing Ge was willing to ask him for help, he could try to mend the past hatred and desire for revenge after he had returned to the capital.
Jing Ge smiled, and the smile shown outside of the silver mast was very happy.
"Thank you," Jing Ge said these words very sincerely, "but there is no need."
Fan Xian looked at him with narrowed eyes, as if he wanted to see just what his silent and valiant subordinate was thinking about. After a long while, he asked, "You and the Qin family…what is your disagreement?"
Jing Ge was silent for a moment then said in a dark voice, "In the camp, I killed the eldest son of the Qin family."
The eldest child of the Qin family? Qin Heng's elder brother? Fan Xian's expression did not change, but his heart chilled. If the person Jing Ge killed back then was still alive, he would probably be one of the top generals in the court. Such a hatred…just what was Chen Pingping thinking? Why did he take in a time bomb into the Overwatch Council?
A few bird cries came from the front.
The silently marching Black Knights stopped their steps very neatly. It was not the people, it was the horses. This kind of horse training was among the best in the world. Perhaps, only the Wang camp in the West Lake could have this ability.
Dusk gradually approached.
Fan Xian and Jing Ge rode their horses to the front. Through the valley and halfway up the mountain, they stood up high and looked down at the city at the foot of the mountain.
The city was not big. The lights had already been lit inside like twinkling stars.
This was Jiaozhou.
Looking toward the right, a large swathe of the sea was turning, with the dimming of the day's light, from blue to pitch black. Faintly, a heavily guarded dock could be seen along with a dozen battleships and eye-catching camps.
This was the Jiaozhou navy.
"Attack at will. Kill all those who dare to enter the city without mercy."
Fan Xian had already tossed Jing Ge's question to the back of his mind, giving orders coldly and straightforwardly. Pulling on his reins, he left the main group of the Black Knights and, without a single guard, rode onto a narrow mountain trail toward Jiaozhou at the foot of the mountain.
[JW1] A literal translation of this was "Jing No Life. It was meant to be a play on "Jing No Name."
[JW2] This is a reference to some show – I haven't seen it, so I tried my best to capture the joke.
Chapter 413: Someone Is Having A Feast In Jiaozhou
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The Black Knights headed straight for Jiaozhou. In order to fool people, the route they chose could not be the official road. No matter how much confidence Fan Xian had in himself and the Black Knights' strong battle power, he knew that if a disturbance started, he couldn't hold back one of the three great navies of the Qing Kingdom with only 400 riders.
So, entered the city quietly without a shot fired.
Seeing the gates of Jiaozhou in the distance, Fan Xian dismounted his horse. Using an Overwatch Council trick he learned in his childhood, he found a quiet spot and let the horse go. The horse had understood what his owner meant. Without hesitation, it headed toward the valley on its own and, in a moment, disappeared.
It was not that Fan Xian didn't have the heart to kill the horse. The iron stench of blood was truly unnecessary and would only bring trouble. After confirming the horse would not reveal his movements, he sat down beneath a tree and dug a small hole beside him. He took off his clothes and buried them in the dirt. He then took out the equipment he was carrying and made a detailed survey of it. He checked that the black dagger, secret crossbow the Third Bureau had given out, and the sleeping powder and poison that never left his side were all there. He then rubbed something on his face before unconsciously nodding his head. Shortly after, he let out a sigh.
Somewhat unhappily, he buried the Emperor's sword Wang Qinian had sent into the dirt. Fan Xian wondered when he would be able to use this sword openly and publicly.
By the time he had left the tree, Sir Fan junior had already turned into a normal young man. His appearance was still delicate; only the space between his brows was slightly wider and the corners of his eyes were pulled down slightly. He lost a bit of heroism and added a sense of sincerity. He was a completely different person.
Under the rough spun clothing was still the black night-moving clothes he wore next to his skin. Fortunately, the quality of the material was excellent and breathable, so it did not feel hot.
Following a rarely used mountain path, he headed toward Jiaozhou. The sun had long sunk beneath the top of the mountain behind him and dusk enveloped his surroundings. At the last moment before the city gates closed, Fan Xian arrived. He handed over his travel documents and answered routine questions from the gate guard, then he easily walked into the city.
The travel documents made by the Overwatch Council were not high-quality fakes. They were the real thing, so no one would find any problems. When Fan Xian answered the questions, although he was cautious and respectful, he was not panicked. Jiaozhou was near the seas, so there were many people coming and going to start. The gate guards had long seen everything, so did not give it much priority.
Going through the gates, Fan Xian rubbed his eyes and smiled, just like a traveler from far away. He used a curious gaze to evaluate the private residences and scenery around him, but he didn't move too slowly nor did he slow his footsteps. He perfectly played the part of a foreigner busy with his affairs.
Jiaozhou was indeed different from normal provincial cities. Although it neighbored the sea, its commerce—or more accurately speaking, its bulk selling industry—was not very developed. The wealthiest street that went across the city did not have many stalls to either side. Even those that did have something of a shop front were half hidden and did not have a sign. It was impossible for outsiders to figure out what was being sold inside.
The entire city seemed solemn and quiet. It lacked the aura and smoke of life, but it had an additional dignity.
As Fan Xian walked, he paid attention to these details. He knew that this was because the Jiaozhou Navy was often stationed here. Jiaozhou was far away from the middle plain. It was truly a place where the mountains were high. The Emperor was far away and the navy themselves had tens of thousands of troops. This strength was truly scary.
In comparison to the large navy, the strength of Jiaozhou itself appeared somewhat insignificant. The highest-ranking official was only a Zhizhou. In front of the admiral of the navy, he remained well-behaved.
Jiaozhou's commercial affairs depended on the whims of the navy. All of the life necessities of the tens of thousands of navy officials, other than what the court appointed, were commandeered from around them. Although this made the Jiaozhou people somewhat angry, it also brought a strange wealth—at least they did not have to worry about not being able to sell their goods and grain.
Because of these reasons, Jiaozhou was the large navy's base of logistics. It was like the sweet maiden at a warrior's side; she could only accept and could not make any sound of resentment.
With an entity as large as the navy beside them, Jiaozhou also carried a thick military aura. The best pieces of land were commandeered by military personnel. The largest manors were all lived in by high-ranking navy officials. The best girls were all forcefully taken by the navy.
Although the court had explicit orders that did not allow stationed troops and generals to live in the neighboring provincial cities, everyone knew this rule had long lost its effectiveness not only in Jiaozhou, but also the provincial and border troops. As long as it was a major figure with some power, no one wanted to live in the harsh conditions of the military camp. Instead, they bought houses and women in the provincial city.
The Black Knights were exceptions of exceptions.
Fan Xian raised his head to gaze at the brothel with its hovering red lanterns and couldn't help but smile. Where there were a lot of soldiers, the brothels' business would be very good. He wondered whether or not the navy officials would refuse to pay. However, according to the information from the Council, although the Jiaozhou Navy were the Emperors of Jiaozhou, they never ate the grass near their burrow.[JW1] Usually, they ate the grass on the sea to the South.
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Fan Xian lowered his head and walked quickly past a large manor with grand eaves, red painted doors, and walls hidden among bamboo. It took up the space of half a street and was even more extravagant than the homes of the major officials in Jingdou.
The large manor was like the brothel in the distance with bright red lanterns hanging outside, and it appeared very cheerful. On the door were images of immortals with low-flowing beards. It appeared that some major figure was celebrating a birthday.
At odds with this festive atmosphere were the guards standing outside the large manor. The guards' appearances were dark. Scaling could faintly be seen below their ears. They were probably people who spent much of their lives on the sea. The soldiers did not glance around. With a solemn face, they carefully watched the people passing by the manor.
There were not a lot of people who strolled past it, so they were more responsible for checking the guests. Although other than high-ranking officials in the navy, the other guests were officials from Jiaozhou. Even faced with wealthy merchants who could stand in public and some merchants from the distant Jiangnan, these soldiers did not relax. They carefully checked the gift boxes to ensure that no one brought a weapon inside.
It was their master's birthday feast, so they had to ensure everything was absolutely safe.
Other than the front door being closely guarded, Fan Xian's zhenqi secretly shifted and heard sounds inside the manner that told him there were a number of soldiers hidden in isolated areas.
He quickly walked by with his head lowered. A glimmer of a sinister smile rose to the corners of his lips. He clearly evaluated the strengths of the guards at the corners of the street outside the large manor and, at the same time, he drew a map of the topographical map of the surrounding area and deeply imprinted it in his mind. This manor was nothing compared with back in the day when he had only walked once through the enormous Royal Palace and memorized clearly every little alley.
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…
Leaving behind the bustle and the sounds of greeting, he let that eye-piercing red of the red lantern disappear in the dark. Fan Xian pressed his lips together. His eyes, seemingly unconsciously, swept toward an area below the wall on the street and saw a familiar secret mark. He then turned and entered, walking to the end of a small alley.
It was a dead end.
Fan Xian raised his head to look at the wall at the end of the alley and shook his head. His toes tapped against the floor, and his entire body rose up. His palm lightly landed on the wall, and he flipped over.
Silently, Fan Xian, in the disguise of a normal commoner, once again disappeared into Jiaozhou.
Behind the wall was a little courtyard. The place was not very quiet. The sounds on a street a few large houses away could faintly be heard. Although there were six rooms in the front and back, they looked to be old and worn. It meant that although it wasn't a normal commoner living here, they were also not living very well.
Fan Xian walked up the stone steps and entered. Pushing open the door, he made a direct line for the main seat. Picking up the teapot beside him, he sniffed it and then poured himself a cup of tea, which he drank.
Anxious footsteps came from the side as the owner entered the room. Finding a young man he did not know sitting there, he was about to ask questions. Suddenly, he saw the person's hand make a gesture. He couldn't help being shocked and joyful, "Teacher, you're finally back."
Fan Xian smiled. Putting down the teacup in his hand, he gazed at Hou Jichang's slightly thinner face and couldn't resist saying, "You're in Jiaozhou to be an official. I had thought it could better your wizened body. How are you even thinner?"
After Hou Jichang had seen Yang Wanli on the banks of Jiangnan, he had made nothing of the hardships and rushed to Jiaozhou to take up his post. The trip was tiring. Additionally, he had to secretly help Fan Xian investigate those shocking matters, so the pressure on his spirit was also very large. He had been in Suzhou for a month but had not made much progress. Deeply afraid that he would hinder his teacher's great plans, he had not slept for days. At this time, his eyes were deeply sunken and his cheekbones protruded. He looked nothing like the confident and at-ease talent he was in Jingdou.
He smiled bitterly and self-mockingly said, "I don't have teacher's ability to smile as I look at world affairs."
Fan Xian sighed. Although of his four disciples, Hou Jichang could be said to be the most meticulous of thought and ruthless and daring when acting, when faced with the upcoming bloodiness, it was easy to see that scholars were still scholars after all. This matter could have been handled by the Overwatch Council. However, Fan Xian had arranged for Hou Jichang to come because he wanted to shock the Jiaozhou officials and he had a personal agenda. After Jiaozhou's crisis, someone would fall and take the credit. Such a large meritorious service would certainly help Jichang achieve unconventional promotion.
Fan Xian wanted to leave this kind of benefit for this student, only, he had to take some shock that could be considered the price.
"Since you arrived in Jiaozhou has there been anything strange?" Fan Xian asked calmly. He did not ask about the matter of the Jiaozhou Navy smuggling because he knew well that it was impossible for Hou Jichang to have figured out these dark matters in officialdom in so short a time.
Hou Jichang thought for a bit and said, "Everyone under heaven knows that I am your student, so the officials have been quite polite to me. Even those sailors and generals have been very discreet, only…I have not found any anything, I've only heard some rumors."
Fan Xian nodded. This was a situation he had long guessed. He thought for a bit and said, "The Admiral of the navy, Chang Kun, is having his birthday feast today. Did he not invite you?"
Hou Jichang paused and said, "I am only a small official, however…it should be because he was giving you face. The Admiral also gave me an invite, only…you said you were arriving today, so I have been waiting at home. I haven't decided whether or not to go."
"Go," Fan Xian said without hesitation. "You go first."
Having him go first, the hidden meaning was that Fan Xian would go after.
Hou Jichang furrowed his brows and said, "You are just one person?"
"One person is enough," Fan Xian smiled slightly and said. "Chang Kun is not Xiao En. He does not have the right for me to attach too much importance to him."
He paused and then said, "Today is his birthday feast. In the future, his family can celebrate his birthday after his death and have his memorial service on the same day…how much less trouble that will be."
Hou Jichang's heart jumped, and his mouth tasted bitter. He gazed in a daze at his teacher. He knew that Fan Xian was going to kill someone at the feast tonight, but he didn't know how exactly his teacher was going to do it under the protection of the valiant Jiaozhou Navy. Furthermore, a navy admiral was an official of the first-level and couldn't just be assassinated and have that be the end of the matter. The Emperor and his teacher…shouldn't commit such a muddled mistake. If the feast became a desperate battlefield, how would they deal with the aftermath?
[JW1] I opted to keep the literal translation because there is a play on words in the following sentence: 兔子不吃窝边草 - A rabbit doesn't eat the grass by its own burrow (idiom); One shouldn't do anything to harm one's neighbors.
Chapter 414: Someone Is Doing an Assassination in the Bathroom
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Why did he come to Jiaozhou? Why did he have to defeat the Jiaozhou Navy? Actually, the origin of all of this was because of the little island on the East Sean, that little island that had been washed with blood.
The pirates on the island were the Ming family's secret army. When the court was investigating rigorously, they had been completely wiped out. Fortunately, a spy of the Overwatch Council managed to survive with difficulty and had reported the bloody scene of that night.
It was the Jiaozhou Navy; it could only be the Jiaozhou Navy. In the months after, the Overwatch Council increased their investigation of Jiaozhou. Although to this day, they still did not have hold of any evidence they could present, the knowledgeable people at the topmost level of the court had determined that the Jiaozhou Navy was the Ming family's hand, the Junshang Conference's hand, and the hand the Eldest Princess nurtured.
No matter how much the Qing Emperor could silently endure, he could not endure such a thing happening. So, he had sent a secret letter to Fan Xian giving him full authority to handle the matter. As for how to handle it, he did not specify.
Fan Xian had a great headache. He had no evidence at hand, yet he had to bring the Jiaozhou Navy back under the realm of the court's control. How exactly should he do that?
The navy was not the Ming family, the Cui family, or the Second Prince…it was a truly powerful martial force. If he did not handle it well and caused clamor and raised arms, no matter whether or not the court could subdue it in the end, he would make a great deal of trouble for himself.
He also knew that in the Ming family's smuggling business, the Jiaozhou Navy played an important role, particularly on the route toward Dongyi. If there wasn't the Jiaozhou Navy's protection, it would certainly not have gone this smoothly for over 10 years.
The role the Jiaozhou Navy played in the smuggling route on the sea was just like the role Fan Xian's Overwatch Council as well as Wei Hua's Northern Qi Brocade Guard played in the land smuggling route.
However, on that island, the navy killed too many people…
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…
Hou Jichang had already gone to the feast. In the little courtyard was only the disguised Fan Xian. Hou Jichang had come to Jiaozhou on orders to investigate the matter of the Navy smuggling, however, he had not made any progress. He had to do a lot of things in secret, so it was not convenient to hire too many servants. Thus, the little courtyard was completely silent.
Without lighting any lights, Fan Xian sat in the dark, calmly thinking. He ran through each step of his plan. As he thought, he couldn't help smiling bitterly. In a moment, what he had to do would be certainly be considered childish in politics and rude in terms of style. However, the Emperor had given him full authority to deal with this matter. It was easy to see how much the Emperor cared about what he would do when he was forced to Jiaozhou.
If they followed the usual route of investigation and questioning…the generals of the navy were not stupid and would not admit the crimes that could wipe out their families. Furthermore, once the military and the Overwatch Council stood in confrontation against each other, it would be easy for the military to slide toward an explosion. If they rebelled, tens of thousands of navy officials would surround Jiaozhou. How could Fan Xian and his subordinates survive then?
So, they had to take the dangerous path.
Coincidentally, it was the birthday of the Navy Admiral, Chang Kun, so all of the high-level navy officials were gathered in Jiaozhou and far away from the squadrons they controlled. Although there were still tens of thousands of sailors in the Jiaozhou Navy, there were only a few garrison officials. Once they moved and those inside the city could not easily communicate with those outside, the sailors' reactions would be a few beats slower.
Fan Xian could use this opportunity to clear out all of the leading officials at the feast in one fell swoop. His appetite had always been big, but even Hou Jichang was curious as to where Fan Xian got his confidence from.
He was only one person.
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Chang Kun gazed at the hall of guests with his face full of smiles, however, in this smile was one-part aloofness and two parts arrogance. He was smiling because today his mood was very good. He had lived over 40 years, and everything was smooth sailing. He held a high position. All these officials and wealthy merchants from inside and outside of the city had come to fawn over him. Even major figures from the distant Jiangnan had sent gifts. This feeling of pride, how could he not smile to express it?
But, he couldn't enjoy himself to the fullest because of his position. As the highest military commander in Jiaozhou, and the local Emperor in name and reality, each of his words and actions could affect tens of thousands of people. He couldn't help but be wary and had to put on a severe and solemn expression.
He could maybe pull in around a few hundred thousand liang of silver from the feast today. He calculated in his heart as he raised his cup to drink. The noble guests below all stood up and raised their glasses in response, praising endlessly.
Chang Kun's gaze slanted toward the seat to his left in the corner. He saw the official had an unconcerned expression and felt a great unhappiness in his heart. This official had been in Jiaozhou for some days and not only had he not come to pay his respects to him, he hadn't even performed the nominal greeting.
Chang Kun continued to endure it and had even invited the official to the feast today. Although Hou Jichang was only a minor official and Provincial Judge in Jiaozhou, so he was nothing more than a seventh-level small fry, his background was too deep. Everyone under heaven knew he was one of Fan Xian's four students. Last year, in the spring imperial examinations he had been in the third rank of candidates who passed. Even though Chang Kun was a first-level military official, he still had to give Fan Xian this face.
Furthermore, because of the Jiangnan matter, Chang Kun had long been wary of the Overwatch Council, and the fear in the depths of heart could not be assuaged. He didn't understand why Sir Fan junior would arrange for his student to come to the isolated Jiaozhou. Perhaps the Overwatch Council had actually come because of the Jiaozhou Navy? But, the Ming family shouldn't have revealed anything. The old Ming matriarch was already dead, so no one should be able to bring forth any evidence.
So, on his own birthday feast, Chang Kun held his wine cup but let his thoughts float elsewhere. They had not left anyone alive on that island. The people who had acted were his own trusted generals, and those soldiers were shut up in their camp every day. There shouldn't be a problem.
Chang Kun woke from his daze and smiled self-mockingly. His wives and children were all in Jingdou. He wondered how they were doing. As for Jiaozhou, even if the court had heard some rumor, what could they do to him? Without any evidence, the Overwatch Council would not dare to move against a military elder like himself.
Thinking through the cause and effects, he newly judged the situation. After confirming his safety, the big stone that been pressing down on his heart finally lightened. He nodded to the people beside him and agreed with the idea of bringing in the dancing girls to add to the cheer.
However, looking at Hou Jichang's calm expression below, Chang Kun still felt a bit uncomfortable. He gently coughed, feeling that his midsection was a bit bloated. He spoke a few words to his subordinate and went to the bathroom in the back courtyard.
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…
Fan Xian left Hou Jichang's home and walked to the back wall of the lively admiral's manor, carefully hiding his figure. Just like how there were very few guards along the top of the Royal Palace's walls, this almost seven-meter tall wall of the admiral's manor also had no one watching it.
Using the layer of cloud on a summer's night as cover, Fan Xian let out a muddy breath and moved the zhenqi in his body. His two hands were placed firmly against the dust-covered wall. With a little push, he confirmed that the thin layer of zhenqi flowing out from his palm could still have the same effect as when he was on the Danzhou precipice.
After the Tyrannical zhenqi blew up in his body, he was fortunate to have Haitang take care of him. However, he was still worried that his specialty, the Spiderman technique, would disappear with the slight changes in the way the zhenqi is moved around his body.
Fortunately, it was still there.
Just like a specter, Fan Xian silently flipped over the tall wall of the admiral's manor and slid into the brush in the courtyard. Very easily, he tapped out two of the guards and then walked to the kitchen. Removing the Overwatch Council's special poison injecting equipment from his clothes, he used the thin needle at the front of the tube to inject the pre-prepared sleeping medicine into a sealed vat of alcohol.
To the side was an unsealed vat of alcohol. Fan Xian thought for a bit then spooned some to drink. He felt that the taste of this alcohol was indeed pretty good. As expected, the Jiaozhou Navy's luxuries could not be supported on just military funds.
As he left, he casually tossed a pill into it.
…
…
Fan Xian stood in the dark of the night and watched a few guards from a distance. He couldn't hold back a smile. Chang Kun was indeed a coward. Even when he used the bathroom, he had people standing guard outside.
He climbed onto the roof from the back. Somewhat angrily, he pinched his nose and jumped down. The tips of his toes landed on the ground silently. He looked around at this bathroom and found that even the bathroom in the manor was extravagant. It was actually two rooms. Unfortunately, the outer way did not have a toilet. Fan Xian undid his pants and began to take a piss.
The dripping of water startled the admiral on the toilet in the other room.
At this moment, Chang Kun's pants were halfway down his ankles. He was sitting on the chair, which was hollowed out with a toilet below it. Although his appearance was somewhat miserable, a glimmer of an eagle-like ruthlessness quickly appeared in his eyes.
There was someone outside!
When he found out that someone could get through the manor's layers of guards and come to his side as he was on the toilet, Chang Kun felt a chill go through his heart. His first reaction was to yell loudly, "Assassin!"
But, he was a clever man, so he immediately shut his mouth tightly. If the person who had come was a killer, then they wouldn't purposely make some noise to startle him. Since that person had the ability to silently come to his side, then even if he did call the guards, they probably wouldn't be able to stop the assassination.
So, he didn't say anything. He only waited tensely, wanting to know why the ace outside had come.
A cold and clear voice came from the other room.
"Why didn't you invite me to your feast?"
A glimmer of viciousness flashed across Chang Kun's face, but he quickly smiled slightly and said, "I don't know your name, where could I send the invite?"
The dividing curtain was raised. Fan Xian, without one holding his nose, furrowed his forehead and looked at the appearance of this defecating old general, "You are Chang Kun?"
Chang Kun was awkward and angry. When has a proper first-level official of the Qing Kingdom been questioned under such circumstances? Furthermore, the tone of the person asking was so arrogant and informal.
He knew this was not the time to be strong-willed. He could clearly feel the danger of the young man in front of him. He narrowed his eyes and said, "I am Chang Kun…this warrior, could you allow me to wash my hands and then talk?"
"Do you want to yell?" Fan Xian smiled and asked. "Today, you can yell your heart out, and it won't do anything."
Chang Kun's forehead was furrowed tightly, and he asked, "Who exactly are you?"
I am Fan Xian." Fan Xian put down the curtain and replied through it.
Chang Kun was greatly shocked, and his hands began to shake…Fan Xian? The Commissioner of the Overwatch Council? How could he suddenly come to Jiaozhou? How could he appear at his birthday feast? How could…he appear in his own bathroom?
Was the person outside truly that young killing star? Chang Kun's thought flew wildly as he tied his pants and said, "Who exactly are you?"
After discovering the person's identity, Chang Kun knew there would be trouble. He could even begin to smell his complete defeat and fall from grace. He forced his state of mind to calm. As he tried to delay, he began to calculate.
"Naturally, it is not comfortable to meet in the bathroom," Fan Xian said lightly from the other side of the curtain. "In order to fool others, it could only be so."
To fool others? Then, there was another explanation. Chang Kun's heart settled a little, but he did not dare lift the curtain and go out. He sucked in a deep breath and said, "If it is truly Commissioner Fan, what business do you have here today?"
"To discuss a deal with you."
"What deal?"
"The deal on the nameless island on the East Sea."
The light and sinister voice floated in from outside the curtain. It was like Chang Kun had been struck by lightning. His mouth was so dry that he couldn't even smell the stench in the room anymore, and his breathing came anxiously. There was only one thought in his head: The court indeed did know about it. The Overwatch Council had come to deal with him.
But, he was not an idiot. He heard the possibility of a turnaround in Fan Xian's tone, so he gritted his teeth and said, "I don't understand what you are saying."
"Your collusion with the Ming family, secretly ordering pirates to capture the palace treasury's merchant ships and organizing the smuggling to Dongyi…this is what I want to talk about."
"Don't spray such venomous slander on me." Chang Kun's heart was like the rocks in the toilet pit. He cried out in a severe tone, purposely raising his voice a little, thinking to secretly inform his personal guards outside.
Fan Xian did not seem to have noticed his little plan. He mockingly laughed, "You know yourself whether or not it's slander."
Chang Kun said severely, "Show your evidence. The Overwatch Council shall not frame me for the crime…I am not so naïve, child. My Jiaozhou Navy is also not like the weak officials in Jingdou. If there is not solid evidence, then don't even think to try anything. Be careful that it won't be an easy mess to clean up."
Although Fan Xian's sinister reputation was known, Chang Kun had tens of thousands of iron blooded men under him, so he indeed wasn't very scared of him.
"Those crimes of yours, it doesn't matter whether or not I believe them. It also doesn't matter whether or not the people and officials under heaven believe them." Behind the curtain, Fan Xian's voice took on a glimmer of coldness. "What is important is that the Emperor's believes in your crimes, otherwise, why would he have me come to Jiaozhou to handle this?"
Chang Kun's heart jumped wildly and was knocked down by Fan Xian's words. As long as the Emperor believed there were problems with the Jiaozhou Navy, then given the Emperor's methods, even if he didn't use the law to punish him, he would have other ways to make his life worse than death. Chang Kun was one of the old generals that had followed the Qing Emperor on three Northern campaigns. His worship and fear of the Qing Emperor in the depths of his heart could never be wiped away.
Behind the curtain, Fan Xian continued to attack. "There are very people in this world that can rescue you…other than me."
Chang Kun fell back down on the seat. His eyes narrowed. His thoughts began to spin. A moment he sighed and said, "Commissioner…what exactly do you want?"
Admiral Chang Kun was a twice first-level official. Although Fan Xian's power could not be imagined by a third person, the commissioner of the Overwatch Council was a position with ranking. At the beginning of the conversation in the bathroom, Chang Kun held onto this point and refused to be at any disadvantage in terms of manner. However, at this point, he had begun to refer to Fan Xian as commissioner, which meant his defenses were beginning to loosen.
The silence didn't go on for too long before Fan Xian said quietly behind the curtain, "I have long been confused by one thing…your connection to the Ye family is not that deep to that extent. Your connection to Yan Xiaoyi is also not that great, and, in recent history, there is no connection between you and Her Highness, the Eldest Princess. Although your position is high and you are very powerful, in the Junshang Conference, you could still only play the role of a worker. So, I am very curious who your true master is. Who ordered you to move the court's troops to help the Ming family to secretly notify Dongyi."
Chang Kun kept his mouth closed. His expression was sinister, and he would not reply. What Fan Xian had said were indeed the things the Jiaozhou Navy had done these years. However, no matter what, he would not reply. Once these crimes were made true, never mind Fan Xian, even if the empress dowager came out, she still wouldn't be able to protect the lives of him and his family.
"I won't tell my superiors," Fan Xian smiled slightly and said. "Under these circumstances, you can only trust me…I am truly just curious. Whether or not you die, whether or not your whole family dies with you, do not benefit me at all."
Chang Kun still could not tell him, he smiled coldly and gritted his teeth. "Am I an idiot…Commissioner, what do these things have to do with my Jiaozhou Navy? If you have evidence, then you can use the Emperor's sword to capture me in the tent, and the tens of thousands of Navy officials would not dare to even fart. If you don't have evidence, then don't block me to talk in such a stench filled place."
He sinisterly said, "Sir Fan junior, today is my birthday. If you are willing to give your sentiment and face, you can drink a cup or two at the feast. As for talking, let's not do that. Whenever your Overwatch Council has gotten the evidence, it won't be too late to come find me then."
Fan Xian sighed behind the curtain.
Chang Kun narrowed his eyes behind the curtain.
Fan Xian sighed and said, "That's true, you are a first-level official. The Overwatch Council cannot question you without a special edict…as for evidence, your people killed cleanly. Even if there were one or two survivors, it still wouldn't be possible to bring down a military elder like yourself. As for the Ming family, I know the old Ming matriarch you had a connection to had unfortunately died. You're right. Looking around, I indeed don't have any evidence at hand."
His voice seemed to be a bit worried. "The Emperor does not wish for you to remain with the Jiaozhou Navy, but there is too much opposition in court to transfer you, and the Overwatch Council has not evidence. What do you think? How could you disappear from Jiaozhou?"
Chang Kun was startled and suddenly felt an absurd sense of danger. At the same time, he was shocked. Why had his personal guards not rushed in?
Fan Xian finally sighed. "Since you are not willing to accept the exchange, then I have no other way…I can only choose the most straightforward as well as the most absurd method."
Finishing these words, Chang Kun's pupils shrank like he had seen a strange scene. He stared at the curtain in front of him.
The green colored curtain was like a flat patch of soil when suddenly a bamboo shoot grew out of it. The bamboo shoot was not green; it was black. Moving the green curtain, it came closer to his chest.
Chang Kun was panicked, angry, and dumbstruck, but he was completely unable to move. He could only watch this scene, watch the tip of the black dagger rip through the weak barrier that was the curtain. With a ripping sound, it came toward him. With a splutter, it pierced deeply into his chest.
…
…
At the moment before his death, Chang Kun opened his eyes wide, and countless questions and confusions flashed through his mind. Why was his zhenqi suddenly flowing so awkwardly? Why were his four limbs numb? How could the Overwatch Council dare to assassinate him?
He was the Admiral of the Jiaozhou Navy! He was the local Emperor of Jiaozhou! He had ten thousand soldiers at his command! His unnatural death would cause shock and would incite rioting among troops! He was a full first-level official of the court! How could the Overwatch Council dare to assassinate him?
In the politics of the Qing officialdom, although the Overwatch Council was an expert in assassinations, under the Qing Emperor's powerful suppression, they had never dared to use this method on the high-level officials. The Qing Emperor knew that once this precedent was set, the entire country could sink into chaos.
So, earlier in the bathroom, Chang Kun was still calm and not very scared because he had predicted that Fan Xian would just kill him like this for no reason. He would not dare.
But, Chang Kun lowered his head to see the black dagger in his chest, and the glimmer of a mournful smile pulled up the corners of his lips.
Fan Xian withdrew the dagger and casually wiped the blood clean on the green curtain before sticking it in his boots. Looking at the blood-covered Chang Kun on the chair behind the curtain, he couldn't resist shaking his head. He was right, even the Qing Emperor would not dare assassinate a military elder without any evidence, but he was not the Emperor. He was rushing to go back to Danzhou to see his grandmother. He didn't have the time to waste in a sh*tty place like Jiaozhou.
Chapter 415: Charging Into The Manor Again
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Fan Xian carried Admiral Chang Kun's body and strutted out of the bathroom. He had the Tyrannical zhenqi in his body. With the additional support of Tianyi Dao, his strength wasn't much below that of King Kong, so he did not feel tired.
On the ground outside the bathroom lay a few dead people. These were the personal guards Chang Kun had tried to call earlier to save his life. These people's martial ability had been very high, but now they were lying on the ground dead.
Seeing the yawning Shadow, Fan Xian threw the body in his hands over and scolded, "Killing the admiral in his manor! You should be careful."
"Celebrating the ether birthday on his birthday feast," the Shadow replied with great wit. "You also know that this matter has become big."
There was not a trace of worry to be seen on his pale face. As the true leader of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council and the top assassin in the world, perhaps assassinating an admiral was truly not enough to make the Shadow overly worried. Furthermore, given the Shadow and Fan Xian's current ability, even if someone found out right now about Chang Kun's unusual death, they could escape lightly before they were surrounded.
After all, Fan Xian was also a professional assassin.
The Shadow grasped the back of Chang Kun's neck, holding him like a wooden puppet. He lowered his head to take a glance. A strange look flashed through his eyes. He turned his head to ask, "Deal with it as planned?"
Fan Xian hmm'ed and smiled, "There's no other way…in any case, your family has long become accustomed. I will move quicker, but you should be careful. Don't let anyone see."
The bathroom was in an isolated area with bushes and trees hiding it from the outside. The servants in the manor rarely noticed this area, particularly now as the night was gradually growing dark. Without the light of a candle, everything was pitch dark. No one knew what had happened. However, the bathroom would eventually be used by someone. Fan Xian also knew that the Shadow could not conceal his tracks for too long. After saying these words, he rose to the tips of his toes and his body lifted up like a streak of smoke. He floated toward the side of the courtyard wall and placed the tip of his fingers on the wall. His entire body flipped out of the courtyard like a large bird disappearing into the dark night.
The back garden of the manor was completely silent. Faint sounds of drinking and laughter came from the front. The birthday feast was at its liveliest. A few pieces of the dancing girls' clothing had probably fallen to the floor already. No one had noticed that the admiral's bathroom visit had gone on for too long, and no one would have thought that the he was already dead.
…
…
The admiral's manor was only a distance of two streets from Hou Jichang's home. Following this straight line toward the north and making two turns, there was an unremarkable cloth shop. After Fan Xian had silently left the admiral's manor, he made wildly in the dark for this place. He turned and swept through the door. His fingers came together to make a hand gesture. At the same time, he took out and showed the commissioner's token tied at his waist.
The lights in the room were not bright so it would not attract the attention of the patrols outside. Seeing Fan Xian, the owner of the cloth shop was first startled. After confirming the other person's identity, he immediately recovered his calm. He lowered his head and asked, "Immediately?"
"Immediately." Fan Xian nodded his head. As he began to take off his clothes, he grabbed a cup of tea and gulped it down. Even though his cultivation was high, he had rushed the entire way. In this heat, he still felt thirsty. After getting rid of his outer clothes, he asked, "How many people?"
The owner of the cloth shop was, with his disciples, busy taking out clothing and related items. Hearing his question, he replied, "Seven people."
Fan Xian extended his hand through the robe he was handed, nodded, and did not continue speaking.
This cloth shop was like the oil shop in Shangjing, Northern Qi; they were both secret houses of the Overwatch Council. But, this was not the Jiaozhou branch of the Overwatch Council. The branch's manor had long been made public. Fan Xian wanted to catch the leaders in the admiral's manor unprepared and so had chosen here.
He dressed hastily and removed his disguise. Fan Xian didn't have to move. He allowed the owner of the cloth shop and a few subordinates to carefully and busily organize his body. This made him feel strange, like a male model changing backstage.
In a moment, Fan Xian had transformed back into the commissioner of the Overwatch Council. The black official robes on his body exuded a chilling, murderous intent, and even beat down the heat of the hot day somewhat.
The owner of the cloth shop was the true leader of the Overwatch Council stationed in Jiaozhou. Looking at this scene, he couldn't help but shake his head as a great sense of confusion rose in his heart. He knew the process of the commissioner's work tonight, so he did not understand why he first braved the danger of entering the manor, and then, after the matter, hurriedly changed to openly go to the manor to investigate the case.
Even the Shadow, who was fulfilling his orders in the admiral's manor, did not understand Fan Xian's thoughts. If they wanted to assassinate Chang Kun, the Shadow would have been enough. There was no need for Fan Xian to be so busy. It was even a little tragic.
All of this was only because before Fan Xian killed Chang Kun. He still felt things were a bit strange and had a deep fear of the hand behind Chang Kun. An unnamed enemy whose strengths were not known was truly the most terrifying.
Pushing open the door of the cloth shop, Fan Xian walked out with his head high and chest out. The summer wind stroked the corners of his black official robe, rustling them.
Behind him, the people of the cloth shop efficiently got rid of hats and shirts, revealing dull black colored official robes of the Overwatch Council. On their heads were official's hats. They held a few important items in their hands. The owner of the cloth shop held a yellow scroll, and his disciple held a long sword.
Just like this, the group of eight people walked openly and loudly out of the door into the Jiaozhou night. Going along the heavily guarded long street they walked, perhaps it was bravery, or impetuousness, toward the admiral's manor not far in the distance.
Other than the brothel which was still lively and the admiral's manor, the rest of Jiaozhou appeared to be very quiet. For a strange group such as Fan Xian's to suddenly appear on the silent long street immediately drew the eyes of many people.
Since this was not far from the admiral's manor, immediately some soldiers, hidden in the darkness, walked out. Stopping the group, they prepared to ask questions.
Originally, it was the provincial troops who held the peace in Jiaozhou. But, because of the vast navy to the side, the troops were like half a master in the city. Gradually, they took the position of the provincial troops. These soldiers were also arrogant and overbearing. Today, they were responsible for guarding the admiral's manor. They could only listen to the delicate singing of the performers inside and smell the scent of food and drink, but had to suffer in this hot night. They were already not in a good mood, so their tone was not very gentle when they came out to investigate.
"Stop! Who are you people? Why are you still on the street this time of night…"
The sound of the soldier's questions suddenly stopped because the young man leading the strange group on the long street had smiled at him. His appearance was handsome, and his smile was warm, but it was in this warm and gentle smile that seemed to hold a power and pressure that could not be directly looked at.
The leader was a low-ranking military officer. Looking at this group of people, he felt it was very strange. Wearing all black at night…he unconsciously tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife.
This strange group of people did not even look at him. They treated the weapons in the hands of the dozen soldiers like branches in a summer night. Their expressions did not change, and their smiles did not waver. Leisurely and carefree, they walked directly by.
The officer became angry. He pulled out his knife and blocked it in front of the other party.
When the knife came out, it snapped. With a crisp clang, somehow the tip of the knife landed on the ground.
The owner of the cloth shop beside Fan Xian, who had already put on his official robes, pulled back the knife in his sleeves and flashed a token. In a cold voice, he said, "The Overwatch Council is investigating a case. All unconcerned people should withdraw."
The officer was startled speechless and still holding the broken knife in his hands. The Overwatch Council's relationship with the military had always been fairly good. They rarely investigated the military's internal problems, so the Qing Kingdom soldiers were not afraid of the Overwatch Council. However, there were too many rumors in the public, so the horrors of the Council were entrenched deeply in people's hearts.
Officers were soldiers, and soldiers were also people. Suddenly finding a group of cold Overwatch Council spies walking by his side and his sword chopped in half, the soldier could not help but be terrified.
By the time he had recovered, he found the Overwatch Council people had already walked to the street outside the door of the admiral's manor. The officer's heart clenched, but he did not have time to notify his colleagues in the manor. Thoughts spun around his head. He couldn't decide whether to immediately report to his superiors or leave the city to inform his brothers in the camp.
The armed force standing guard outside the admiral's manor was not just a small squad of navy officers. At both ends of the street, those officers responsible for safety had all discovered the oddness here and immediately recognized the identity of this group of black-clothed people.
Secret agents of the Overwatch Council!
No one knew what the Overwatch Council people wanted to do. They were all subordinates of the court, so the navy officers couldn't immediately pull out their knives and hack the other party into meat sauce. They knew the Overwatch Council was a special organization directly subordinate to the Emperor, so everyone felt a chill in their hearts. They stared with gazes filled with enmity at Fan Xian and his group.
…
…
The group of Overwatch Council officials walked to the front door of the admiral's manor under the gazes of dozens of eyes. Fan Xian pulled his official's hat up a bit and scratched at his slightly itchy hairline. He raised his head to glance at the red lanterns and pictures stuck on them at the door to the manor. Smiling, he said to the guards, "The Overwatch Council is investigating a case by order of imperial edict. Have your master come out to accept the edict."
The six guards, who had been looking at each other, immediately let out a breath. A few of them looked at each other, and someone quickly ran into the manor with the message. The rest of them quickly opened the main door, preparing to welcome an imperial messenger.
Fan Xian was worried that the matter in the back of the admiral's manor would be discovered by someone, so he didn't pay attention to these regulations. Raising his foot, he stepped over the manor's high threshold and directly charged in.
The navy officials looked at each other behind him, wondering how there could be such an arrogant person in this world. Even if you were an official of the Overwatch Council, even if you had an imperial edict with you, but…you're not here to conduct a search. How dare you charge in like this?
The Overwatch Council people charged in, so Chang Kun's personal guards did not dare to slight them and followed them in. Taking the most advantageous places, they stared alertly at Fan Xian and his group. Although no one thought they would strike out in a moment, they had to push back a little against the other party's imposing manner.
Like he couldn't feel anything, Fan Xian walked quickly to the door of the main hall, pushed them open, and entered. At once, he saw the guard that had gone in earlier to deliver the message had not been able to find the admiral and could only say something in the ear of a deputy general.
The music in the hall was still present, and the song and dance continued. Through the large doors came the sounds of Jiaozhou's night.
Fan Xian stood just in the entrance and looked at the lively scene with cold eyes. He knew that Chang Kun's death had not yet been discovered. Now slightly more at ease, his expression became colder and he smiled icily. "Everyone is in such good spirits."
The hall suddenly fell silent. Everyone was startled by this uninvited guest. A few of the rude Jiaozhou Navy generals had already drunk too much. Hearing the singing suddenly stop, they stared at the beauty in their arms, who was staring outside the hall with a trace of fear and unwillingly, and turned their head to see the group of black-clothed people.
A general suddenly rose, thinking, Who the f*ck dared to disrupt my drinking? He was about to open his mouth to curse without restraint, then a few of the government officials felt their heart jump. In the blink of an eye, they recognized the true identity of the group of black-clothed people standing at the entrance. Although the Overwatch Council's robes were not remarkable, they were too conspicuous.
Hou Jichang, sitting at the end seat, only smiled slightly and drank. He talked quietly with the courtesan beside him. His eyes did not even glance toward that direction.
The navy general who was about to curse without restraint forcefully swallowed his filthy words back into his stomach. He stared with great dissatisfaction at Fan Xian, secretly muttering that it was unlucky and wondering how come these black dogs of the Overwatch Council had suddenly run over?
A middle-aged man sitting to the side of the main seat slowly rose. He smiled at the center of the hall door and said, "What business do the members of the Council have here tonight?"
Fan Xian glanced at the man and knew that he was an important figure among the Jiaozhou Navy, one of Chang Kun's right-hand men and who had made his name through his intelligence, Dang Xiaobo.
The owner of the cloth shop beside Fan Xian coldly said, "The Overwatch Council is investigating a case. Where is Admiral Chang Kun?"
A clamor rose in the inner hall. Everyone had confirmed the guess in their hearts and had become increasingly tense and alert, particularly the officials of the Jiaozhou Navy. Their eyes spun wildly as they calculated god knows what.
At this moment, the Jiaozhou Zhizhou had to come forward to speak. This half-a-century old man coughed and said self-importantly, "Sir, today is the admiral's birthday. What matter cannot wait until tomorrow to be discussed?"
"I am a busy man. Please do not speak too much nonsense." Fan Xian swept his eyes across the hall.
The Jiaozhou Zhizhou was slightly angry, thinking, there were at least five or six officials above the third-level sitting in this hall. Even the Overwatch Council could not be so presumptuous. Containing his anger, he said, "Please, may I ask your position and name?"
Holding back a smile, Fan Xian said, "I am the current commissioner of the Overwatch Council, Fan Xian, and my courtesy name is An Zhi."
Chapter 416: A Play Inside The Admiral's Manor
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Just as expected, the admiral's manor, which had already become absolutely silent, became even more silent. The officials stared dumbstruck and speechless at Fan Xian in the doorway. A few navy generals unconsciously pressed their lips together. They could already smell the upcoming storm. Everyone present sank into a strange silence and atmosphere that hid the air of confrontation.
Deep in that confrontation was the generals' fear. Everyone under heaven knew Fan Xian's identity and what the Overwatch Council did. For the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council to investigate the distant navy with an imperial edict, it was obvious that this was not a small matter.
The Navy generals hid the worry in their eyes. Quietly looking at each other, they all guessed that perhaps the matter on the East Sea had erupted.
Unlike the generals and officials, those singers and dancers who had been chided to the side had bright eyes that glowed. They stared at Fan Xian's handsome face. First, it was not easy to see an immortal-like figure like Sir Fan junior. Second, everyone knew that Sir Fan junior was a leading figure. If they took his fancy, their future would be bright.
However, the girls were not stupid. Feeling the strange atmosphere in the inner hall, they knew there wasn't much of an opportunity to play the honey trap today.
After the leading officials finally recovered from their shock, Dang Xiaobo, under the circumstances while the admiral was not present, became the representative of the navy. He smiled slightly and rose in welcome. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Jiaozhou Zhizhou, he bowed toward Fan Xian.
None of the officials dared to sit anymore. They all stood up, somewhat in fright, and greeted Fan Xian.
"Greetings to the Commissioner."
"Greetings to the Imperial Envoy."
Because the martial and civil were different, the navy and Jiaozhou government used different titles for Fan Xian.
"Excused."
Fan Xian's chin moved slightly in a nod. Without looking to the side, he walked forward surrounded by the officials and then .sat down in the chair that had belonged to the admiral.
The eight Overwatch Council officials followed him over and stood behind him with their hands holding the hilts of their knives. They stared ferociously at all of the officials in the hall.
It was a bit arrogant, but he had this right.
Dang Xiaobo watched as this major figure acted tough. Although his appearance was not happy, he was quietly happy in his heart. As long as he was a domineering type, he would be much easier to defeat. It looked like the rumors of Sir Fan junior's darkness were not true.
He coughed lightly and raised his hands in a respectful gesture. "Greetings to the Commissioner. What case has brought you to Jiaozhou this time?"
"You are the deputy general of the navy. Even if I needed extra hands to help with the case, I cannot have you transfer them to me," Fan Xian said calmly. He turned to the Jiaozhou Zhizhou and said, "Today, I am handling a case by imperial edict and don't have enough people with me. I'll have to trouble you, Sir Wu, to transfer a camp of the provincial soldiers to me."
The Jiaozhou Zhizhou's, Wu Gefei, was a third-ranked candidate during the old government and had once tried to connect with Prime Minister Lin and the Fan manor. Suddenly hearing that Sir Fan junior knew his surname, his heart warmed and his body felt cozy. He smiled widely and said, "Please give your orders."
Sir Wu had one thing in his favor: the silver that he should be greedy and take, he would take it, but he did dare not to have any thoughts he should not have. He was very much well-behaved. In a place like Jiaozhou, where everything was controlled by the navy, not only were there many government affairs they did not cooperate with, if there were any benefits to be taken advantage of, he never had a chance and instead was a very clean official.
Wu Gefei had long wanted to transfer to a wealthy province, except he did not have any influential official in Jingdou to help speak for him. Hearing such warmth in Sir Fan junior's tone, he was so overjoyed he had long forgotten his mother's maiden name and that if the Overwatch Council wanted to move troops, they needed an order from the Council and the Bureau of Military Affairs. He directly said something to his advisor. The advisor took the orders and left, not wasting any time.
Dang Xiaobao watched coldly from the side, feeling slightly startled. He thought, The Commissioner had just arrived in Jiaozhou and had not yet made anything clear, yet he was borrowing troops from Jiaozhou. What was he preparing to do? But after thinking for a while, he felt slightly more at ease. The power of the Jiaozhou officials was weak. Even the provincial army was only a measly few hundred people and their training had always been bad. They were no match for the navy soldiers. If the Overwatch Council was really here to cause trouble for the Jiaozhou Navy, then Commissioner Fan would certainly bring more than seven or eight people in. He would also not mobilize the provincial troops right in front of him.
Thus, Dang Xiaobo was not very afraid, but he was just a bit confused. Just what did the Overwatch Council want to do today?
"Where is the admiral? The Emperor has an edict. Why has he still not come out to receive it?" Fan Xian furrowed his brows tightly and asked.
Dang Xiaobo's expression was embarrassed. He also found it strange. There was such a commotion outside, how could the admiral not have noticed it? Even if he was playing with women in the back, he should have come out by this time. If he truly offended Fan Xian, no one would have pleasant days.
He gave Fan Xian a forced smile and explained a little. Then with a glance, he had a manor guard go to the back garden to inform the admiral.
Fan Xian looked at this scene with cold eyes, but in his heart, he was quietly calculating the time.
…
…
After three breaths, a wretched cry arose from inside the admiral's manor. The sound cut through the silence of the Jiaozhou night and traveled far.
Everyone in the hall was harshly shocked. Before anyone had time to say anything, weapons were drawn in a panic from under tables and everyone ran toward the back garden. Although no one dared to believe that something would happen in the admiral's manor, that wretched cry was not fake.
Dang Xiaobo's gaze was strange. He did not go, he only stared strangely at Fan Xian.
Fan Xian did not even look at him. A glimmer of worry appeared in his furrowed brows, "Did we come late?"
When had finished saying these words, he had already grabbed the crying Jiaozhou Zhizhou Wu Gefei. His body lifted and arrived in the back garden along with the anxious navy generals.
It was a bloodbath in the back garden.
Seven or eight soldiers of the admiral's manor lay tragically in the blood. Some had their heads separated from their bodies, and some had thick blood on their chests.
Seeing this scene, the Jiaozhou civil officials felt their legs turn to water.
While the navy generals were staring fixedly at a black-clothed man beyond the pools of blood, their expressions were wild as if they wanted nothing more than to charge forward to tear the person into pieces and devour them. However, they were just anxious and angry, but did not make a single move.
In the hands of the black-clothed man was the body of Jiaozhou Navy Admiral Chang Kun!
A line of fresh blood slowly slid down Chang Kun's body and dripped onto the ground. While the head of this local leader was lowered, it was impossible to tell whether he was alive or dead.
Looking at the bodies around the garden and the admiral, whose status they did not yet know, the eyes of the navy officials were red and bloodshot. How could these valiant generals, who had spent years killing on the sea, have thought that an assassin would dare to act in Jiaozhou, and would dare to kill so many brothers in front of their face?
"Put down the Admiral!"
"You bastard! Put the sword down!"
The navy officials shouted and surrounded the black-clothed man, but because they were scared of hitting bystanders, they did not move.
Fan Xian coldly put down the Jiaozhou Zhizhou, Wu Gefei. Gazing at the black-clothed man present, he seemed to be talking to himself as he said, "You are indeed earlier than me."
Dang Xiaobo had already woken from his shock. He felt deeply that this matter was strange. Why did the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council come personally to Jiaozhou? Why would he directly charge into the birthday feast rather than investigating secretly? Why did Fan Xian's expression earlier show that he knew someone was coming to assassinate the admiral? Why did Fan Xian say earlier that the other party had arrived earlier than him?
His mind spun quickly. He knew that this matter definitely had something to do with that little island on the East Sea. However, he was not Chang Kun, he did not know about the existence of the Junshang Conference. He only vaguely knew that the admiral was serving some organization. Hearing Fan Xian's purposely affected tone, he couldn't stop himself sinking into an absurd imagination.
Dang Xiaobo stared anxiously at that black-clothed man. Looking at the admiral in his hands, his temples throbbed with a red-hot pain. He wondered, Did the court want to investigate that organization, so that organization had to kill the admiral to keep quiet? Is this what made Sir Fan junior condescend to personally visit? Otherwise, why was Fan Xian so anxious earlier?
However, this thought was not enough to persuade him. In his heart, there was also a thread of suspicion about the Overwatch Council. At this moment, he couldn't resist stealing a glance at Fan Xian.
Fan Xian's brows were furrowed tightly. Looking at the black-clothed man beyond the bloodbath, there was an indescribable worry and concern as well as seriousness that was impossible to ignore.
"No one come closer. If anyone comes closer I will kill him." The black-clothed man said in a raspy voice, there was a glimmer of viciousness and confidence in the tone.
The admiral was a major figure. His death would certainly shock the court, and it would affect everyone in the Jiaozhou Navy. Thus, although all of the Navy generals were anxious, they did not make a move. They were terrified that the black-clothed man's hand would shake slightly and Chang Kun's head would be sliced off.
The guards outside the manor had already crowded around. Taking the high spots on the garden wall, they all waited with taut bows aimed at the black-clothed man in the garden.
Surrounded by military, how could he escape?
However, no one dared to give the order to attack. None of the generals dared to take on this responsibility. Extremely angrily and carefully, they glanced at the Jiaozhou Zhizhou.
Nominally, this was happening inside Jiaozhou, so logically speaking, the Jiaozhou Zhizhou should handle it.
He was burned by these blazing glares and woke from his earlier fear and terror. He began to curse his heart, thinking, You lousy navy officials! Usually you think so lowly of me, but now that something big has happened, you want to push to the front as a shield. I'm not going to do that.
The Jiaozhou Zhizhou bit his lip. At this moment, the highest status was Overwatch Council Commissioner Fan, who had just charged into the birthday feast..
Thus everyone stared anxiously at Fan Xian. However, the generals were a little afraid. Sir Fan junior was famous for not valuing life and very considerate of the court's face. If he had the soldiers fire arrows, the admiral would not survive.
Fan Xian's brows were still tightly furrowed. Walking forward one step, he stared at that black-clothed man and said, "I don't care who you are, but assassinating a court official is already a death penalty that will wipe out your family. I am Fan Xian, you should know my identity. Even if I let you go today, I can still find out who you are. Please believe me, as long as I know you are dead, your parents, your wife and children, your friends, your childhood playmates, your hometown people, even those village wives who gave you a cup of water to drink on the road…I will find them all."
The glimmer of a warm smile rose to the corners of his mouth, "And I will kill them all."
The scene was completely silent. Only the rapid breathing of the officials could faintly be heard, as well as the sound of the archers' finger's rubbing against the bowstring.
A general was greatly shocked. What was important was to rescue the admiral. What result will come about Fan Xian's scare tactics? As he prepared to open his mouth to speak, he was stopped by Dang Xiaobo's furrowed brows.
Dang Xiaobo used a strange gaze to look at Fan Xian's profile. He knew that Fan Xian's words were attacking the heart.
Fan Xian gazed at the black-clothed man and slowly said, "Put down the admiral and tell me who is giving you orders. I…will only kill you."
"You can also kill the admiral, then I will kill you as well as everyone I said earlier," Fan Xian stared at him and said. "As long as there is someone in this world with a connection to you, I will kill them all one by one."
Dang Xiaobo's heart was slightly eased. He knew the Commissioner had no other choice, they would have to see whether or not the assassin's defenses were lowered.
…
…
"Sir Fan junior?" The black-clothed man laughed hoarsely. "I truly did not think you could come to Jiaozhou. I have miscalculated a little this time."
"It has nothing to do with me. Even if I am not here, you cannot escape," Fan Xian said coldly. "It was I who did not expect that you would act so quickly."
The black-clothed man paused and suddenly smiled coldly. "Don't try to trick me with words. I am only here to kill. I have no idea why we have to kill this admiral."
"Is that so?" Fan Xian took a few more steps forward. Smiling slightly, he said, "How should I refer to you and Master Yun?"
Master Yun? Dongyi's master swordsman, Yun Zhilan? The foremost disciple of Sigu Jian? Everyone in the garden looked at each other. They could never have expected Fan Xian's words. The navy generals were particularly shocked. The Jiaozhou Navy always had an unclear connection to Dongyi. Why would Dongyi do something like this today?
However, to be able to enter the heavily guarded admiral's manor and kill all these people not far from the main hall, it was probably only something that those ninth-level assassins from Dongyi could do, right?
The generals glared angrily at the black-clothed man. With Fan Xian and the Overwatch Council beside them, they didn't dare to curse.
Dang Xiaobo still did not believe the judgment of his unconscious mind. He still didn't believe that the black-clothed person was someone from Dongyi.
As expected, that black-clothed person coldly said, "I am not of Dongyi. Yun Zhilan has no connection to me. As for Sigu Jian, that old dog, don't even mention him in front of me."
Even if the man wanted to conceal his identity, if he was truly of the Dongyi Sigu Sword, he would not call Sigu Jian an old dog in front of everyone. Hearing these words, everyone knew that Fan Xian had judged incorrectly. This black-clothed man must be from somewhere else.
Fan Xian's brows furrowed even tighter as if he could not believe that the black-clothed man was not of Dongyi. He laughed quietly and self-mockingly. "Seems like there are many people competing for business with me."
The black-clothed man said in a cold and raspy voice, "Open a path, prepare three horses and three days' worth of food and water three li outside of the city, and I will release the person in my hands."
"How do I know whether the person in your hands is dead or alive?" Fan Xian's tone was even colder than other man's, appearing as if he did not care about Chang Kun's life.
The black-clothed man paused, perhaps knowing that in terms of speaking and negotiating he was no a match for the Overwatch Council. Instead, he just shut his mouth.
"Are you not afraid I'll put poison in the water?" Fan Xian continued coldly. "As well as the earlier threat, it seems like you truly do not care."
"I won't let you go."
"If you are going to kill the admiral then do it. What does it have to do with me?"
…
…
Although he knew that Fan Xian was attacking the heart, looking at the admiral in the black-clothed man's hands, he was still heavily shocked by these words. The navy officials began to cry out randomly and anxiously.
The black-clothed man looked around and smiled icily. "I don't care, but someone cares. As for your earlier words…I am an orphan, and no one in this world has been kind to me. I don't care that you will kill everyone I care about in this world after this matter."
Fan Xian lowered his head slightly and a strong feeling of absurdness welled in his heart. Naturally, the black-clothed person facing him was the Shadow, however, after this negotiation, it seemed that the acting was becoming more and more real.
"Pretty boy, quickly make up your mind." Seeing that no one in the garden would be able to defeat him, the black-clothed man coldly laid down his last notice. The cold sword in his hand was against the back of Chang Kun's neck.
"Say those two words again?" Fan Xian's eyes narrowed slightly and a cold light flashed out. A finger pointed coldly and full of murderous intent at the black-clothed man's face.
The black-clothed man opened his lips, preparing to say something.
Fan Xian's finger that was extended in the air shook slightly and a crossbow bolt hidden in his sleeves dissolved into a black light and silently shot out!
The black-clothed man let out a cry. He did not have time to use Chang Kun to block his body. His whole body arched back and flashed a few times strangely, and avoided that silent bolt.
In this instant, Fan Xian had moved forward. With a flick of his fingers, he flicked on his Meridians. His wrist flipped and he caught hold of the black-clothed man's wrist.
Swing!
Using the power of the Coffin-Breaker technique and some little tricks, even Fan Xian was quite pleased with this trick. His entire right arm shook and pulled Chang Kun's body back toward him. Shortly after, his toes tapped against the group, and he and the black-clothed man wound up in one place.
In just a moment, the two of them had fought from the inside of the garden to the wall. Becoming two terrifying black shadows they fought with a strange speed. Swords struck out without wind, punches fired without sound, yet their strength permeated the surroundings and forced a gap between the archers on the wall.
Inside the walls, Dang Xiaobo had already leapt forward and caught Admiral Chang Kun's body. The eight members of the Overwatch Council did not go to help Fan Xian. Instead, they stood nervously in front of Dang Xiaobo's body, terrified a few more assassins might pop up and kill Sir Chang. Their anxiety was obvious.
Dang Xiaobo looked at the two streaks of black light on the wall and cried out anxiously, "Sir Fan junior, retreat. Fire! Fire!"
Never mind the fact that Fan Xian had just saved the admiral, just given Fan Xian's own identity, there were still soldiers who dared to fire at him in the Qing Kingdom.[JW1]
An explosive cry came from the wall. Fan Xian took a hit to the shoulder and sprayed out a mouthful of blood, at the same time, his body shrunk in and removed the black dagger from his boot and stabbed it directly into the black-clothed man's chest.
At the same time, the archers were in a mess. It seemed like there was someone intentionally causing chaos and making the gap much larger.
The heavily injured black-clothed man covered his chest and swept away quickly. Swinging his sword, he sliced a number of people and disappeared into the dark night.
A few navy generals were going to lead soldiers to give chase, but found that the Jiaozhou night was a deep black and there was no trace of the assassin's trail.
Fan Xian held his left shoulder, a bit mad that the Shadow had actually struck so heavily. Coughing a few times, he coughed up a few threads of blood. Using a vicious gaze, he looked around and said, "Everyone, come back. There is no need to give chase."
The navy generals were unsettled and had a lingering fear, and they all looked at Dang Xiaobo. His eyes flashed and he furrowed his brows. "The Commissioner has an order, who dares to not obey?"
Only after hearing these words, the generals hesitatingly stopped their pursuit and hurried back to look at Chang Kun's injury.
Fan Xian also walked over. Lowering his head, he saw that the wound on Chang Kun's chest was a bit wider. It was easy to guess without even thinking that the Shadow's tricks had hidden the wound he had left very well. Chang Kun was on his last breaths, barely breathing, it seemed that he could die at any moment. But for some reason, he just wasn't completely dead yet.
"Everyone, move." Fan Xian glanced with loathing at these generals and walked over.
Seeing his superior's tragic state, Dang Xiaobo had no idea what to do. He suddenly remembered that Sir Fan junior's other identity as a medical god. Immediately, a bit more hope bloomed in his heart.
Fan Xian had a quick look and took a pulse, then, at last, shook his head, "Still alive, but can't be saved." What need was there to take the pulse? He had killed the person, and he had kept him barely alive. He could not be clearer on Chang Kun's situation.
The generals look like they had been struck by lightning, but they knew that Sir Fan junior would certainly not lie. They couldn't help but look at each other with no idea what they should do next.
Dang Xiaobo's body swayed a little as his face went pale. With great difficulty, he managed to steady his body. He silently summoned a close guard and said something quietly in his ear. He had the guard rush out of the city to bring the soldiers in the navy camps back.
Everything was still unusually strange. Although, Dang Xiaobo was grateful for the Overwatch Council's help, he still felt the matter was strange. Forcing himself to focus, he bowed toward Fan Xian, "Your noble body, I am unspeakably grateful…"
Before he had finished speaking, Fan Xian already said, "When the assassin escaped earlier, what happened?"
Dang Xiaobo's heart jumped, thinking, Did the assassin have someone on the inside in the Navy?
Fan Xian turned and coldly said the still shaken Wu Gefei, "Where are the provincial soldiers I had you mobilize? Immediately close the city gates and search for the killer. At the same time, surround this manor. All of the navy soldiers are to await questioning. No one is allowed out of this manor!"
"Sir!"
Two voices rang out at the same time. Wu Gefei had very happily accepted this task while Dang Xiaobo felt a great unease at Fan Xian's words and wanted to oppose it.
[JW1] This might be a typo in the original text. It seemed like it should be a rhetorical question or a negative statement, but it's neither.